Once you have finished making your umpteenth traditional shaped greeting card it is time to move on to more challenges. Using templates will open up a whole new realm of possibilities to wow your friends, family and possibly customers. Templates can be as easy as cutting out a stencil that has been in your collection for the last ten years, or buying into a new system like Coluzzle by Provo Craft.

https://www.coluzzle.com- Coluzzle offers a wide range of plastic templates, similar in theory to stencils, but the plastic is thicker making it easier to trace with a blade. Many of their templates are simple shapes such as a circle, in various sizes, so that you can chose the correct size just by looking. Coluzzle has their own cutting knife, similar to a craft knife, and their own cutting mat. After using the simple shapes you may chose to move on to more advances templates. There is a lot to choose from and it is easy to use.

https://houseofstirfry.com/chia/templates/tempI.html- Chia’s site offers all good things that rubber stampers enjoy, but the collection of templates on this page is wonderful. There are at least 50 templates ranging from boxes, masks, tags, file folders, swing cards, slider cards, envelopes and more. There are shoes, boots, hats, and dresses. Imagine the possibilities. The directions on the site suggest you right click the image and save it before you download it.

https://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/templates.htm- This site offers templates different than Chia’s, so I would advise you to look at both before choosing a project! Mirkwood advises that you use a photocopies to enlarge or reduce the size of the template to fit what your needs are. Some other helpful suggestions include using a bone folder to get a precise, crispy line when folding, and to use a piece of scrap paper over your work between the bone folder to prevent tearing of your work.

https://www.victorineoriginals.com/index.html- From the home page, click on patterns, and you will be given a choice of either 3-D patterns such as boxes, or cards. This site has some beautiful templates, although not as many in number as some of the others. Each template has its own directions. Some come with various sizes on the same template.

https://www.jersgirl.com/temps.html- This site was fun if you are looking for more practical objects to embellish. There are templates for candy wrappers and light switches as well as checkbook cover inserts, seed packets, door hangers, calendars and more. There were over 150 templates to choose from, so just scanning the site will keep you busy!

https://www.stampington.com/html/tempting_template_index.html- All Stampington sites are beautiful and exciting, and their template site is no exception. Their completed images will inspire you and wish you had more time to try everything.

Don't forget all of the other templates around also. You can use punches, die cut machines, and household items to guide your way. A can can be template for a circle, or you can use your fork as a template for a fork. How is that for beging creative?

Any of these templates can be printed on cardstock, paper or acetate. If you use acetate, make sure it is approved for the printer that you are using. Laser printers can melt the acetate and ruin your printer! The template can be cut with a craft knife or a scissors, and a bone folder will help your lines crease with a nice sharpness. Stamping your designs on the template will be easier before folding, and embellishments will go on easier after folding.